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What Christmas was like the year you were born

By Isabel Sepulveda, Elizabeth Jackson
Stacker
Nov 21, 2021
Nov 21, 2021 Updated Dec 23, 2021
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To see how Christmas has changed over the last century, Stacker explored how popular traditions, like food and decorations, emerged and evolved from 1920 to 2020.

What Christmas was like the year you were born

Updated Nov 18, 2021

What Christmas was like the year you were born — On Christmas Day in 1914, British and German troops emerged from the trenches of World War I as weeks of bad weather cleared and called a truce. It was spontaneous and not approved by any higher-ups, but many soldiers on both sides ended up taking part. Soccer games were played between the British and German troops before they returned to their respective sides at dusk and continued fighting.
The Christmas Truce, as it is known today, is for many an illustration of the power Christmas holds over humanity’s collective imagination. Christmas is generally thought of as a time for family, togetherness, compassion, and generosity. However, the ways people celebrate and think of the holiday continue to change as society evolves.
To see how Christmas has changed over the last century, Stacker explored how popular traditions, like food and decorations, emerged and evolved from 1920 to 2020 in the U.S. and around the world. Stacker also found when some of the most popular Christmas songs, movies, and books entered the canon of the holiday season and gifts that topped many Christmas lists over the years.
Some traditions on the list are centuries old, and others are newer but no less cherished. At times, especially in eras of war and strife, families adjust their rituals to accommodate their new circumstances while still keeping their spirit alive.
Read on to discover how Christmas has evolved over the past century.
You may also like: From Barnum & Bailey to Annie Oakley: History of traveling entertainment in America
AFP // Getty Images

On Christmas Day in 1914, British and German troops emerged from the trenches of World War I as weeks of bad weather cleared and called a truce. It was spontaneous and not approved by any higher-ups, but many soldiers on both sides ended up taking part. Soccer games were played between the British and German troops before they returned to their respective sides at dusk and continued fighting.
The Christmas Truce, as it is known today, is for many an illustration of the power Christmas holds over humanity’s collective imagination. Christmas is generally thought of as a time for family, togetherness, compassion, and generosity. However, the ways people celebrate and think of the holiday continue to change as society evolves.
To see how Christmas has changed over the last century, Stacker explored how popular traditions, like food and decorations, emerged and evolved from 1920 to 2020 in the U.S. and around the world. Stacker also found when some of the most popular Christmas songs, movies, and books entered the canon of the holiday season and gifts that topped many Christmas lists over the years.
Some traditions on the list are centuries old, and others are newer but no less cherished. At times, especially in eras of war and strife, families adjust their rituals to accommodate their new circumstances while still keeping their spirit alive.
Read on to discover how Christmas has evolved over the past century.
You may also like: From Barnum & Bailey to Annie Oakley: History of traveling entertainment in America
AFP // Getty Images

1920: Nativity plays are all the rage

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1920: Nativity plays are all the rage — By 1920, Christmas celebrations were shifting away from the public space and more toward the family. Nativity plays, a tradition still shared today, had become extremely popular for school children in 1920.
Fox Photos // Getty Images

By 1920, Christmas celebrations were shifting away from the public space and more toward the family. Nativity plays, a tradition still shared today, had become extremely popular for school children in 1920.
Fox Photos // Getty Images

1921: Christmas takes the radio

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1921: Christmas takes the radio — Many of today’s traditions began during Prohibition-era America. With the ubiquity of the radio by this time, the recent invention had become the most popular gift and also the center of most social gatherings—particularly for live-broadcasted holiday concerts.
[Pictured: Radio enthusiasts in 1922 receiving concert broadcasts on a radio apparatus and relaying them through a loudspeaker and headphones.]
Topical Press Agency // Getty Images

Many of today’s traditions began during Prohibition-era America. With the ubiquity of the radio by this time, the recent invention had become the most popular gift and also the center of most social gatherings—particularly for live-broadcasted holiday concerts.
[Pictured: Radio enthusiasts in 1922 receiving concert broadcasts on a radio apparatus and relaying them through a loudspeaker and headphones.]
Topical Press Agency // Getty Images

1922: BBC broadcasts first British radio play ‘The Truth about Father Christmas’

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1922: BBC broadcasts first British radio play ‘The Truth about Father Christmas’ — Radios were globally influential, and in 1922, the BBC started daily programs. The BBC broadcasted its first orchestral concert on December 23 and its first radio-broadcasted play, “The Truth About Father Christmas,” on December 24.
[Pictured: A play being performed in costume at a BBC radio studio in the early 1900s.]
General Photographic Agency // Getty Images

Radios were globally influential, and in 1922, the BBC started daily programs. The BBC broadcasted its first orchestral concert on December 23 and its first radio-broadcasted play, “The Truth About Father Christmas,” on December 24.
[Pictured: A play being performed in costume at a BBC radio studio in the early 1900s.]
General Photographic Agency // Getty Images

1923: First Christmas tree in the White House

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1923: First Christmas tree in the White House — Alongside the radio, Christmas trees were a growing centerpiece of the holiday. In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge lit the first national Christmas tree in the White House—a 64-foot fir.
[Pictured: Calvin Coolidge and group stand beside the first White House Christmas tree in Washington, D.C.]
Harris & Ewing // Library of Congress

Alongside the radio, Christmas trees were a growing centerpiece of the holiday. In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge lit the first national Christmas tree in the White House—a 64-foot fir.
[Pictured: Calvin Coolidge and group stand beside the first White House Christmas tree in Washington, D.C.]
Harris & Ewing // Library of Congress

1924: Macy’s parade ushers in Christmas

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1924: Macy’s parade ushers in Christmas — Today's Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began as the “Macy’s Christmas Parade” in 1924. Reports reveal that 10,000 people showed up to see live animals from Central Park Zoo.
[Pictured: A little boy waves during the parade in New York City.]
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William Lovelace // Getty Images

Today's Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began as the “Macy’s Christmas Parade” in 1924. Reports reveal that 10,000 people showed up to see live animals from Central Park Zoo.
[Pictured: A little boy waves during the parade in New York City.]
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William Lovelace // Getty Images

1925: General Electric makes artificial lights more accessible

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1925: General Electric makes artificial lights more accessible — By the middle of the 1920s, the increasing popularity of Christmas trees meant a need for affordable and accessible lights. Enter powerhouse General Electric, who began production of pre-assembled, inexpensive lights to adorn homes and trees for the holidays.
[Pictured: Christmas at the Keech house, Santa Ana, circa the 1920s.]
Cincinnati Museum Center // Getty Images

By the middle of the 1920s, the increasing popularity of Christmas trees meant a need for affordable and accessible lights. Enter powerhouse General Electric, who began production of pre-assembled, inexpensive lights to adorn homes and trees for the holidays.
[Pictured: Christmas at the Keech house, Santa Ana, circa the 1920s.]
Cincinnati Museum Center // Getty Images

1926: Alcohol poisonings abound thanks to the US government

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1926: Alcohol poisonings abound thanks to the US government — A little Christmas libation never hurt anyone—except in 1926. Angered by the public’s continued consumption during prohibition, the government employed a scare tactic by poisoning some manufactured liquor. On Christmas Eve in New York City, hospitals were overflowing with sick people.
[Pictured: A 1925 Christmas party at a hospital.]
Topical Press Agency // Getty Images

A little Christmas libation never hurt anyone—except in 1926. Angered by the public’s continued consumption during prohibition, the government employed a scare tactic by poisoning some manufactured liquor. On Christmas Eve in New York City, hospitals were overflowing with sick people.
[Pictured: A 1925 Christmas party at a hospital.]
Topical Press Agency // Getty Images

1927: Artificial feather trees gain popularity

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1927: Artificial feather trees gain popularity — Besides more conventional lights, the trees themselves took on innovations. By the latter half of the decade, artificial trees were common. “Feather trees” were assembled from dyed goose feathers and attached to a “trunk.”
[Pictured: A small Christmas tree made of goose feathers.]
Science & Society Picture Library // Getty Images

Besides more conventional lights, the trees themselves took on innovations. By the latter half of the decade, artificial trees were common. “Feather trees” were assembled from dyed goose feathers and attached to a “trunk.”
[Pictured: A small Christmas tree made of goose feathers.]
Science & Society Picture Library // Getty Images

1928: Gag gifts make their debut

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1928: Gag gifts make their debut — Who doesn’t love a good practical joke? The joy buzzer, invented in 1928, was a prank device comprising a coiled spring inside a disc worn in the palm. When the wearer shakes hands with another person, a button on the disc releases the spring, which quickly unwinds, creating a vibration that feels like a minor electric shock to the unsuspecting victim.
The same year marked Hollywood’s first Christmas Parade in Los Angeles.
[Pictured: Diagram of the first joke buzzer, later joy buzzer, from United States patent application 1845735, by Soren Sorensen Adams.]
Soren Adams // Wikimedia Commons

Who doesn’t love a good practical joke? The joy buzzer, invented in 1928, was a prank device comprising a coiled spring inside a disc worn in the palm. When the wearer shakes hands with another person, a button on the disc releases the spring, which quickly unwinds, creating a vibration that feels like a minor electric shock to the unsuspecting victim.
The same year marked Hollywood’s first Christmas Parade in Los Angeles.
[Pictured: Diagram of the first joke buzzer, later joy buzzer, from United States patent application 1845735, by Soren Sorensen Adams.]
Soren Adams // Wikimedia Commons

1929: The White House catches on fire

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1929: The White House catches on fire — Christmas in 1929 will be remembered for a great blaze in the nation’s capital. As a children’s Christmas party took place for President Hoover’s aides and friends, the West Wing executive offices caught fire. Despite the four-alarmer bringing some 130 firefighters to the White House, the children were never aware. The press room was destroyed, and the offices suffered substantial damage. However, the fire was out by 10:30 p.m.
[Pictured: President Hoover views West Wing fire ruins, Jan. 15, 1930.]
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Keystone-France // Getty Images

Christmas in 1929 will be remembered for a great blaze in the nation’s capital. As a children’s Christmas party took place for President Hoover’s aides and friends, the West Wing executive offices caught fire. Despite the four-alarmer bringing some 130 firefighters to the White House, the children were never aware. The press room was destroyed, and the offices suffered substantial damage. However, the fire was out by 10:30 p.m.
[Pictured: President Hoover views West Wing fire ruins, Jan. 15, 1930.]
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Keystone-France // Getty Images

1930: First Coca-Cola ad featuring Santa debuts

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1930: First Coca-Cola ad featuring Santa debuts — Coca-Cola ads have shaped how Americans view Santa for decades, with his bushy beard and twinkling eyes fast becoming the template in people's imaginations. But that design, created by Haddon Sundblom in 1931, wasn’t the first ad by the company to feature the jolly man himself. The year before, artist Fred Mizen painted a department store Santa drinking a Coke for an advertisement in December 1930.
Pool BASSIGNAC/REGLAIN // Getty Images

Coca-Cola ads have shaped how Americans view Santa for decades, with his bushy beard and twinkling eyes fast becoming the template in people's imaginations. But that design, created by Haddon Sundblom in 1931, wasn’t the first ad by the company to feature the jolly man himself. The year before, artist Fred Mizen painted a department store Santa drinking a Coke for an advertisement in December 1930.
Pool BASSIGNAC/REGLAIN // Getty Images

1931: Rockefeller Center lights up officially for the first time

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1931: Rockefeller Center lights up officially for the first time — An international sensation, the Rockefeller Center christmas tree lit up for the first time in 1931. Back then, the tree was just a 20-foot balsam fir bought with the pooled money of construction workers to lift their spirits.
[Pictured: RKO Roxy cinema (Radio City Music Hall) part of the Rockefeller Center, New York, circa 1930.]
The New York Historical Society // Getty Images

An international sensation, the Rockefeller Center christmas tree lit up for the first time in 1931. Back then, the tree was just a 20-foot balsam fir bought with the pooled money of construction workers to lift their spirits.
[Pictured: RKO Roxy cinema (Radio City Music Hall) part of the Rockefeller Center, New York, circa 1930.]
The New York Historical Society // Getty Images

1932: George V delivers the first Christmas Broadcast

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1932: George V delivers the first Christmas Broadcast — A significant tradition in the U.K. and around the world, the Christmas broadcast is a sort of State of the Union at year’s end—a barometer of national and global issues and events. British King George V began the tradition in 1932.
[Pictured: King George V making his annual Christmas broadcast to the nation.]
E. Royston Pike // Wikimedia Commons

A significant tradition in the U.K. and around the world, the Christmas broadcast is a sort of State of the Union at year’s end—a barometer of national and global issues and events. British King George V began the tradition in 1932.
[Pictured: King George V making his annual Christmas broadcast to the nation.]
E. Royston Pike // Wikimedia Commons

1933: The Rockettes kick off their annual ‘Christmas Spectacular’

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1933: The Rockettes kick off their annual ‘Christmas Spectacular’ — Two years after New York City’s other famous tradition, the Rockefeller tree-lighting, the Rockettes started their “Christmas Spectacular” at the nearby Radio City Music Hall. The 90-minute show remains a holiday staple for New Yorkers and international tourists each year.
[Pictured: The Rockettes dancing on stage.]
Hulton Archive // Getty Images

Two years after New York City’s other famous tradition, the Rockefeller tree-lighting, the Rockettes started their “Christmas Spectacular” at the nearby Radio City Music Hall. The 90-minute show remains a holiday staple for New Yorkers and international tourists each year.
[Pictured: The Rockettes dancing on stage.]
Hulton Archive // Getty Images

1934: Debut of the Shirley Temple Doll

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1934: Debut of the Shirley Temple Doll — The next big toy following the joy buzzer, the Shirley Temple Doll made its debut based on the most famous child star of the time. Both the real-life Temple and the doll version were major uplifting influences on Depression-era Americans, who found a little reprieve in her talents and chipper spirit.
[Pictured: Shirley Temple holding her doll, at the Waldorf Astoria in New York, 1938. ]
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Keystone // Getty Images

The next big toy following the joy buzzer, the Shirley Temple Doll made its debut based on the most famous child star of the time. Both the real-life Temple and the doll version were major uplifting influences on Depression-era Americans, who found a little reprieve in her talents and chipper spirit.
[Pictured: Shirley Temple holding her doll, at the Waldorf Astoria in New York, 1938. ]
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Keystone // Getty Images

1935: The popularity of canned beer

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1935: The popularity of canned beer — The first canned beer hit from Gottfried Krueger Brewery hit the market in Virginia in 1935. By Christmas, 37 additional breweries were proprietors, selling more than 200 million cans. The canned beer had become the drink of choice and a home staple during the holidays.
Harry Todd // Getty Images

The first canned beer hit from Gottfried Krueger Brewery hit the market in Virginia in 1935. By Christmas, 37 additional breweries were proprietors, selling more than 200 million cans. The canned beer had become the drink of choice and a home staple during the holidays.
Harry Todd // Getty Images

1936: The rise of Monopoly

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1936: The rise of Monopoly — Charles Darrow sold his game, Monopoly, to Parker Brothers in 1935, explaining that his unemployment caused a massive need for any distraction. By the end of the year and into the following Christmas, the game was a smash hit.
[Pictured: British Army and Auxiliary Territorial Services officers enjoy a game of Monopoly in the shared Officer’s Mess.]
Edward Miller // Getty Images

Charles Darrow sold his game, Monopoly, to Parker Brothers in 1935, explaining that his unemployment caused a massive need for any distraction. By the end of the year and into the following Christmas, the game was a smash hit.
[Pictured: British Army and Auxiliary Territorial Services officers enjoy a game of Monopoly in the shared Officer’s Mess.]
Edward Miller // Getty Images

1937: Amelia Earhart-inspired gifts

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1937: Amelia Earhart-inspired gifts — Following the disappearance of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart in July 1937, her aviator-style hat and goggles became a popular children’s Christmas gift. Earhart was declared dead in January 1939, and various theories continue to circulate about what could have happened to the famed pilot.
Bettmann // Getty Images

Following the disappearance of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart in July 1937, her aviator-style hat and goggles became a popular children’s Christmas gift. Earhart was declared dead in January 1939, and various theories continue to circulate about what could have happened to the famed pilot.
Bettmann // Getty Images

1938: Superman is born

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1938: Superman is born — The current superhero boom can be traced back to Action Comics #1 in 1938 when Superman was introduced. Reports revealed that 200,000 copies were printed that first year, and it became a major Christmas gift of the late-1930s.
Hulton Archive // Getty Images

The current superhero boom can be traced back to Action Comics #1 in 1938 when Superman was introduced. Reports revealed that 200,000 copies were printed that first year, and it became a major Christmas gift of the late-1930s.
Hulton Archive // Getty Images

1939: Little green army men craze

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1939: Little green army men craze — You may know them primarily from “Toy Story,” but little green army men took off in the 1930s. The toys represented mid-20th-century American soldiers. These tiny fighters, clad in U.S. Army olive green, sold for mere pennies in 1939.
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Willrow Hood // Shutterstock

You may know them primarily from “Toy Story,” but little green army men took off in the 1930s. The toys represented mid-20th-century American soldiers. These tiny fighters, clad in U.S. Army olive green, sold for mere pennies in 1939.
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Willrow Hood // Shutterstock

1940: Manchester’s Christmas Blitz claims hundreds of lives

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1940: Manchester’s Christmas Blitz claims hundreds of lives — Christmas during times of war is difficult, but the Manchester Blitz in the days leading up to the holiday left the country devastated. By December 22, 684 people died, and 2,300 were wounded in the German bombing of the city. Many shops and homes were completely demolished.
[Pictured: Manchester firemen directing hoses on burning buildings in the city of Manchester.]
Unknown // Wikimedia Commons

Christmas during times of war is difficult, but the Manchester Blitz in the days leading up to the holiday left the country devastated. By December 22, 684 people died, and 2,300 were wounded in the German bombing of the city. Many shops and homes were completely demolished.
[Pictured: Manchester firemen directing hoses on burning buildings in the city of Manchester.]
Unknown // Wikimedia Commons

1941: Winston Churchill visits a country at war

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1941: Winston Churchill visits a country at war — Christmas this year was subdued, with the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7 and the United States’ subsequent entry into World War II hanging over the populace. For the holidays that year, President Franklin Roosevelt hosted Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
[Pictured: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill at the White House, Washington, D.C., December 1941.]
Bettmann // Getty Images

Christmas this year was subdued, with the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7 and the United States’ subsequent entry into World War II hanging over the populace. For the holidays that year, President Franklin Roosevelt hosted Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
[Pictured: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill at the White House, Washington, D.C., December 1941.]
Bettmann // Getty Images

1942: Little Golden Books hit the shelves

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1942: Little Golden Books hit the shelves — Produced in partnership with Simon & Schuster, the Artists and Writers Guild, and the Western Printing and Lithographing Company, this collection was created to make books more affordable for children everywhere. Coming out in September, these titles (which included “The Little Red Hen” and “The Alphabet from A to Z”) only cost a quarter, making it easy and affordable to put books under the tree.
[Pictured: Red Cross workers packing Christmas presents for the fighting forces during World War II, October 1942.]
The Courier-Mail // Wikimedia Commons

Produced in partnership with Simon & Schuster, the Artists and Writers Guild, and the Western Printing and Lithographing Company, this collection was created to make books more affordable for children everywhere. Coming out in September, these titles (which included “The Little Red Hen” and “The Alphabet from A to Z”) only cost a quarter, making it easy and affordable to put books under the tree.
[Pictured: Red Cross workers packing Christmas presents for the fighting forces during World War II, October 1942.]
The Courier-Mail // Wikimedia Commons

1943: ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’ is a hit among war-weary Americans

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1943: ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’ is a hit among war-weary Americans — Bing Crosby’s heartfelt promise to be home in time for the holidays struck a chord with soldiers and civilians alike, shooting to #3 on the charts shortly after its release and staying up for 11 weeks. It was one of the most requested songs at USO shows on both fronts and proved to be a significant boost to soldier morale.
Decca Records // Wikimedia Commons

Bing Crosby’s heartfelt promise to be home in time for the holidays struck a chord with soldiers and civilians alike, shooting to #3 on the charts shortly after its release and staying up for 11 weeks. It was one of the most requested songs at USO shows on both fronts and proved to be a significant boost to soldier morale.
Decca Records // Wikimedia Commons

1944: Rockefeller tree goes dark

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1944: Rockefeller tree goes dark — Due to wartime blackout regulations, the Rockefeller tree and all other outdoor Christmas decorations were forced to remain dark throughout the holiday season. However, the year after, they would return bigger than ever, with organizers going all out to celebrate the end of the war.
[Pictured: Men of the U.S. Army engineer stations hold a Christmas party for English war orphans, while stationed in Britain during World War II, December 1942.]
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Keystone // Getty Images

Due to wartime blackout regulations, the Rockefeller tree and all other outdoor Christmas decorations were forced to remain dark throughout the holiday season. However, the year after, they would return bigger than ever, with organizers going all out to celebrate the end of the war.
[Pictured: Men of the U.S. Army engineer stations hold a Christmas party for English war orphans, while stationed in Britain during World War II, December 1942.]
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Keystone // Getty Images

1945: First post-war Christmas

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1945: First post-war Christmas — After the twin blows of the Great Depression and World War II, America was ready to celebrate in a big way. As such, Christmas 1945 remains one for the history books as stores stocked up, and communities ensured returning soldiers would receive gifts for the holidays. Rationing was beginning to ease, holiday lights were permitted once more, and the mood was hopeful as people started looking toward the future.
Fox Photos // Getty Images

After the twin blows of the Great Depression and World War II, America was ready to celebrate in a big way. As such, Christmas 1945 remains one for the history books as stores stocked up, and communities ensured returning soldiers would receive gifts for the holidays. Rationing was beginning to ease, holiday lights were permitted once more, and the mood was hopeful as people started looking toward the future.
Fox Photos // Getty Images

1946: ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ releases

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1946: ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ releases — George Bailey’s journey to self-acceptance almost didn’t happen, and certainly wasn’t the Christmas classic many know and love today. The shooting was incredibly expensive and ran far longer than initially intended. The movie didn’t even make its budget back upon release. It wasn’t until 1974 after the film forgot to renew its copyright that it became a Christmas staple, as television stations could play it non-stop without paying.
Liberty Films (II)

George Bailey’s journey to self-acceptance almost didn’t happen, and certainly wasn’t the Christmas classic many know and love today. The shooting was incredibly expensive and ran far longer than initially intended. The movie didn’t even make its budget back upon release. It wasn’t until 1974 after the film forgot to renew its copyright that it became a Christmas staple, as television stations could play it non-stop without paying.
Liberty Films (II)

1947: ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ has people believing in Santa again

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1947: ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ has people believing in Santa again — 20th Century Fox released its tale of a department store rivalry and a legal case that gets a young girl to believe in Santa to huge success, winning three Oscars. Since then, the film has been adapted and remade several times, most recently in 1994, though the original remains popular with audiences.
Silver Screen Collection // Getty Images

20th Century Fox released its tale of a department store rivalry and a legal case that gets a young girl to believe in Santa to huge success, winning three Oscars. Since then, the film has been adapted and remade several times, most recently in 1994, though the original remains popular with audiences.
Silver Screen Collection // Getty Images

1948: Truman lights the tree from across the country

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1948: Truman lights the tree from across the country — The White House Christmas tree has long been a popular staple, but the president was not there to attend the actual tree lighting. From 1948 to 1951, President Harry Truman signaled the lighting of the National Christmas Tree from his home in Independence, Mo. He and his wife delivered their greetings to the people of Washington, D.C., via a young boy and girl who were the recipients of the 1948 Recreation Department Youth Award.
[Pictured: President Truman lights the White House Christmas tree during ceremonies outside the White House.]
U.S. National Archives and Records Administration // Wikimedia Commons

The White House Christmas tree has long been a popular staple, but the president was not there to attend the actual tree lighting. From 1948 to 1951, President Harry Truman signaled the lighting of the National Christmas Tree from his home in Independence, Mo. He and his wife delivered their greetings to the people of Washington, D.C., via a young boy and girl who were the recipients of the 1948 Recreation Department Youth Award.
[Pictured: President Truman lights the White House Christmas tree during ceremonies outside the White House.]
U.S. National Archives and Records Administration // Wikimedia Commons

1949: Silly Putty finds its purpose

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1949: Silly Putty finds its purpose — Like chocolate chip cookies and penicillin, Silly Putty was created by accident in 1943 during an engineer’s attempt to create synthetic rubber for the war effort. It didn’t fill the government’s need, so it languished in obscurity until this year when toy store owner Ruth Fallgetter was convinced by advertiser Peter Hodgson to put the putty in her annual catalog. It was a hit, and Hodgson went on to brand it as the “Silly Putty” we know today.
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Rick Madonik // Getty Images

Like chocolate chip cookies and penicillin, Silly Putty was created by accident in 1943 during an engineer’s attempt to create synthetic rubber for the war effort. It didn’t fill the government’s need, so it languished in obscurity until this year when toy store owner Ruth Fallgetter was convinced by advertiser Peter Hodgson to put the putty in her annual catalog. It was a hit, and Hodgson went on to brand it as the “Silly Putty” we know today.
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Rick Madonik // Getty Images

1951: A new popular gift for children

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1951: A new popular gift for children — A new popular gift for children debuted in 1951. A couple in New York City invented Colorforms, which allowed colorful vinyl shapes to be stuck and restuck on laminated boards. Colorforms were brought to the market in 1951 and rapidly became extremely popular.
PD-self // Wikimedia Commons

A new popular gift for children debuted in 1951. A couple in New York City invented Colorforms, which allowed colorful vinyl shapes to be stuck and restuck on laminated boards. Colorforms were brought to the market in 1951 and rapidly became extremely popular.
PD-self // Wikimedia Commons

1952: The first toy commercial airs

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1952: The first toy commercial airs — Christmas lists would never be the same after 1952 when the first toy received its own commercial. The toy in question? The Mr. Potato Head, a bodiless composite of facial features. The toy made more than $4 million in sales in the first few months after its launch in 1952.
Picture Post // Getty Images

Christmas lists would never be the same after 1952 when the first toy received its own commercial. The toy in question? The Mr. Potato Head, a bodiless composite of facial features. The toy made more than $4 million in sales in the first few months after its launch in 1952.
Picture Post // Getty Images

1953: Eartha Kitt’s ‘Santa Baby’ takes over the airwaves

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1953: Eartha Kitt’s ‘Santa Baby’ takes over the airwaves — A new Christmas song hit the airwaves in 1953, setting the tone for the decade. Eartha Kitt’s rendition of the Christmas classic has been copied countless times since, including by the likes of Madonna.
Central Press // Getty Images

A new Christmas song hit the airwaves in 1953, setting the tone for the decade. Eartha Kitt’s rendition of the Christmas classic has been copied countless times since, including by the likes of Madonna.
Central Press // Getty Images

1954: Wiffle Balls under the tree

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1954: Wiffle Balls under the tree — A new gift for milder temperatures arrived in 1954, with the invention of the Wiffle Ball. A father looking for a safer way for his son to play baseball without breaking the neighbor’s windows invented the light version of a baseball. Unsurprisingly, the adaptation was a hit.
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Boston Globe // Getty Images

A new gift for milder temperatures arrived in 1954, with the invention of the Wiffle Ball. A father looking for a safer way for his son to play baseball without breaking the neighbor’s windows invented the light version of a baseball. Unsurprisingly, the adaptation was a hit.
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Boston Globe // Getty Images

1955: NORAD tracks Santa across the world

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1955: NORAD tracks Santa across the world — Helping millions of children around the world believe for a little longer, an American Air Defense colonel started a tradition that carries on to this day on Christmas Eve in 1955. Thanks to a clerical error, he was connected to a little girl who wanted to know if Santa was real, and how his rounds were going. The colonel told her, and a tradition was born.
Bettmann // Getty Images

Helping millions of children around the world believe for a little longer, an American Air Defense colonel started a tradition that carries on to this day on Christmas Eve in 1955. Thanks to a clerical error, he was connected to a little girl who wanted to know if Santa was real, and how his rounds were going. The colonel told her, and a tradition was born.
Bettmann // Getty Images

1956: Pogo sticks

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1956: Pogo sticks — To the delight of children and their parents alike, an updated pogo stick was available for gifting in 1956. The new design had two handles instead of one, which was safer for the rider’s chin.
George W. Hales // Getty Images

To the delight of children and their parents alike, an updated pogo stick was available for gifting in 1956. The new design had two handles instead of one, which was safer for the rider’s chin.
George W. Hales // Getty Images

1957: Dr. Seuss releases ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1957: Dr. Seuss releases ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’ — In 1957, the classic Christmas book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” was published on October 12 in Redbook magazine as an illustrated poem. Geisel, with help from his wife Helen, released a full-length book version more or less simultaneously in December 1957.
[Pictured: Ted Geisel at work on a drawing of the Grinch for “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”]
Al Ravenna // Wikimedia Commons

In 1957, the classic Christmas book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” was published on October 12 in Redbook magazine as an illustrated poem. Geisel, with help from his wife Helen, released a full-length book version more or less simultaneously in December 1957.
[Pictured: Ted Geisel at work on a drawing of the Grinch for “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”]
Al Ravenna // Wikimedia Commons

1958: Hula Hoops sweep the nation

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1958: Hula Hoops sweep the nation — One gift likely to be on the lists of many children in 1958 was the hula hoop. The toy debuted to wild fanfare that year, with over 25 million sold in several months.
[Pictured: School children exercising with Hula Hoops in 1958.]
Fred Morley // Getty Images

One gift likely to be on the lists of many children in 1958 was the hula hoop. The toy debuted to wild fanfare that year, with over 25 million sold in several months.
[Pictured: School children exercising with Hula Hoops in 1958.]
Fred Morley // Getty Images

1959: The world meets Barbie

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1959: The world meets Barbie — One of the most famous toys of the 20th century came on the market in 1959. Barbie was unveiled at the New York Toy Fair in 1959. Although Barbie initially received mixed reviews, she was sold more than 300,000 times that year alone.
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Barbieologin // Wikimedia Commons

One of the most famous toys of the 20th century came on the market in 1959. Barbie was unveiled at the New York Toy Fair in 1959. Although Barbie initially received mixed reviews, she was sold more than 300,000 times that year alone.
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Barbieologin // Wikimedia Commons

1960: Etch A Sketch shakes things up

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1960: Etch A Sketch shakes things up — Another marquee toy came on the market in 1960 with Etch A Sketch. The Ohio company that had purchased the rights to the toy invested heavily in advertising, and it was a smash hit that holiday season.
TIMOTHY A. CLARY // Getty Images

Another marquee toy came on the market in 1960 with Etch A Sketch. The Ohio company that had purchased the rights to the toy invested heavily in advertising, and it was a smash hit that holiday season.
TIMOTHY A. CLARY // Getty Images

1961: Ken and Chatty Cathy compete over the doll market

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1961: Ken and Chatty Cathy compete over the doll market — Hot on Barbie’s heels, Chatty Cathy made her debut in 1961. The doll was powered by a phonograph record in her stomach and came with 11 prerecorded phrases. By the end of the year, she was the second most popular doll in the country, after Barbie.
Hulton Archive // Getty Images

Hot on Barbie’s heels, Chatty Cathy made her debut in 1961. The doll was powered by a phonograph record in her stomach and came with 11 prerecorded phrases. By the end of the year, she was the second most popular doll in the country, after Barbie.
Hulton Archive // Getty Images

1962: First Christmas postage stamp arrives

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1962: First Christmas postage stamp arrives — Customers had requested a Christmas postage stamp for years, but it wasn’t until 1962 that the USPS gave it to them. The inaugural stamps featured a wreath and two candles and rapidly sold out.
[Pictured: The first Christmas stamp issued in 1962.]
Bureau of Engraving and Printing // Wikimedia Commons

Customers had requested a Christmas postage stamp for years, but it wasn’t until 1962 that the USPS gave it to them. The inaugural stamps featured a wreath and two candles and rapidly sold out.
[Pictured: The first Christmas stamp issued in 1962.]
Bureau of Engraving and Printing // Wikimedia Commons

1963: Americans go crazy for aluminum Christmas trees

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1963: Americans go crazy for aluminum Christmas trees — The aluminum Christmas tree reached peak popularity in 1963. The tree appealed to families looking to add sparkle to their holiday decor without all the mess of cleaning up ferns and remembering to hydrate a living tree.
Public Domain

The aluminum Christmas tree reached peak popularity in 1963. The tree appealed to families looking to add sparkle to their holiday decor without all the mess of cleaning up ferns and remembering to hydrate a living tree.
Public Domain

1964: Stop-motion animated ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ airs

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1964: Stop-motion animated ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ airs — One of the most popular Christmas songs became an animated special in 1964. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was produced by Videocraft International, Ltd. and cast with puppets. The show remains a beloved classic today.
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Rankin/Bass Productions

One of the most popular Christmas songs became an animated special in 1964. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was produced by Videocraft International, Ltd. and cast with puppets. The show remains a beloved classic today.
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Rankin/Bass Productions

1965: ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ becomes an instant classic

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1965: ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ becomes an instant classic — Another television Christmas special became an instant classic in 1965, with the release of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The hit was initially considered a gamble by The New York Times, which considered it risky to adapt a comic strip to television.
Lee Mendelson Film Productions

Another television Christmas special became an instant classic in 1965, with the release of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The hit was initially considered a gamble by The New York Times, which considered it risky to adapt a comic strip to television.
Lee Mendelson Film Productions

1966: Kwanzaa emerges as a response to Christmas

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1966: Kwanzaa emerges as a response to Christmas — African Americans began celebrating the holiday of Kwanzaa in 1966. The holiday was meant to be a response to the commercialization of Christmas. The holiday is similar to harvest festivals like Thanksgiving, encouraging gratitude and celebration.
[Pictured: A woman lighting kinara candles for Kwanzaa.]
Christopher Myers // Wikimedia Commons

African Americans began celebrating the holiday of Kwanzaa in 1966. The holiday was meant to be a response to the commercialization of Christmas. The holiday is similar to harvest festivals like Thanksgiving, encouraging gratitude and celebration.
[Pictured: A woman lighting kinara candles for Kwanzaa.]
Christopher Myers // Wikimedia Commons

1967: North Vietnam ceasefire lasts most of Christmas Day

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1967: North Vietnam ceasefire lasts most of Christmas Day — The Vietnam War was raging by 1967. But on Christmas Day, a ceasefire held for most of the day, allowing troops stationed in the country a moment of respite from fighting for celebration.
[Pictured: Soldiers on Christmas Day, on their position at Hill 875 near Dak To, a few days after the North Vietnamese Army made a massive assault.]
AFP // Getty Images

The Vietnam War was raging by 1967. But on Christmas Day, a ceasefire held for most of the day, allowing troops stationed in the country a moment of respite from fighting for celebration.
[Pictured: Soldiers on Christmas Day, on their position at Hill 875 near Dak To, a few days after the North Vietnamese Army made a massive assault.]
AFP // Getty Images

1968: America celebrates Christmas while orbiting the moon

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1968: America celebrates Christmas while orbiting the moon — A new frontier was breached on Christmas Eve in 1968. Apollo 8, the first mission to the moon, was launched that night. The launch was broadcast back to Earth, with the crew reading from the Book of Genesis.
[Pictured: Apollo 8 atop Saturn V being rolled out to Pad 39A.]
NASA // Wikimedia Commons

A new frontier was breached on Christmas Eve in 1968. Apollo 8, the first mission to the moon, was launched that night. The launch was broadcast back to Earth, with the crew reading from the Book of Genesis.
[Pictured: Apollo 8 atop Saturn V being rolled out to Pad 39A.]
NASA // Wikimedia Commons

1969: The most tornadoes ever recorded

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1969: The most tornadoes ever recorded — The year 1969 holds the inauspicious distinction of being the Christmas with the highest number of tornadoes on record. Twelve tornadoes touched down that day, killing one person and injuring 17 others.
[Pictured: The destructive funnel cloud of a tornado touches ground near Lyons, Kansas, in the 1960s.]
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Bert Hoyt // Getty Images

The year 1969 holds the inauspicious distinction of being the Christmas with the highest number of tornadoes on record. Twelve tornadoes touched down that day, killing one person and injuring 17 others.
[Pictured: The destructive funnel cloud of a tornado touches ground near Lyons, Kansas, in the 1960s.]
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Bert Hoyt // Getty Images

1970: Jose Feliciano releases ‘Feliz Navidad’

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1970: Jose Feliciano releases ‘Feliz Navidad’ — The Christmas classic “Feliz Navidad” was released in 1970. Singer José Feliciano recorded the song with lyrics in both English and Spanish to promote multiculturalism and to ensure American stations would play it.
[Pictured: Jose Feliciano performs with a guitar in front of a microphone, late 1960s or early 1970s.]
RCA Records // Getty Images

The Christmas classic “Feliz Navidad” was released in 1970. Singer José Feliciano recorded the song with lyrics in both English and Spanish to promote multiculturalism and to ensure American stations would play it.
[Pictured: Jose Feliciano performs with a guitar in front of a microphone, late 1960s or early 1970s.]
RCA Records // Getty Images

1971: ‘A Christmas Carol’ animated adaptation airs

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1971: ‘A Christmas Carol’ animated adaptation airs — “A Christmas Carol” was adopted into animated form in 1971. The rendition was just 25 minutes long and won an Oscar that year for Best Animated Short.
American Broadcasting Company (ABC)

“A Christmas Carol” was adopted into animated form in 1971. The rendition was just 25 minutes long and won an Oscar that year for Best Animated Short.
American Broadcasting Company (ABC)

1972: The US bombs Hanoi on Christmas

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1972: The US bombs Hanoi on Christmas — Far from the Christmas truce several years earlier, 1972’s Christmas in Vietnam was chaotic and violent. Richard Nixon announced a surprise Christmas bombing of North Vietnam, concentrated in the capital of Hanoi.
[Pictured: Vietnamese people carrying victims of the American air raids on Hanoi and North Vietnam.]
AFP // Getty Images

Far from the Christmas truce several years earlier, 1972’s Christmas in Vietnam was chaotic and violent. Richard Nixon announced a surprise Christmas bombing of North Vietnam, concentrated in the capital of Hanoi.
[Pictured: Vietnamese people carrying victims of the American air raids on Hanoi and North Vietnam.]
AFP // Getty Images

1973: Watergate overshadows Christmas tree lighting

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1973: Watergate overshadows Christmas tree lighting — Unfortunately for Richard Nixon, even the lighting of holiday trees couldn’t overshadow the scandal engulfing his presidency. Despite Nixon’s attempt to project an aura of normalcy, Watergate would derail his presidency and result in his resignation.
Bettmann // Getty Images

Unfortunately for Richard Nixon, even the lighting of holiday trees couldn’t overshadow the scandal engulfing his presidency. Despite Nixon’s attempt to project an aura of normalcy, Watergate would derail his presidency and result in his resignation.
Bettmann // Getty Images

1974: ‘Black Christmas’ revolutionizes horror

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1974: ‘Black Christmas’ revolutionizes horror — Christmas had typically been reserved for heartwarming film and television. But in 1974, the slasher classic “Black Christmas” debuted and forever altered the genre of horror.
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Film Funding Ltd. of Canada

Christmas had typically been reserved for heartwarming film and television. But in 1974, the slasher classic “Black Christmas” debuted and forever altered the genre of horror.
You may also like: Most popular baby names shared by Oscar winners
Film Funding Ltd. of Canada

1975: Pet Rock takes the country by storm

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1975: Pet Rock takes the country by storm — To the relief of parents everywhere, hoping not to be asked for a dog or a cat, the pet rock became a wildly popular toy in 1975. The pet rock required very little in the way of upkeep and even less in maintenance costs.
[Pictured: A 1975 Pet Rock.]
carol // Wikimedia Commons

To the relief of parents everywhere, hoping not to be asked for a dog or a cat, the pet rock became a wildly popular toy in 1975. The pet rock required very little in the way of upkeep and even less in maintenance costs.
[Pictured: A 1975 Pet Rock.]
carol // Wikimedia Commons

1976: Muhammad Ali and Cher top Christmas lists

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1976: Muhammad Ali and Cher top Christmas lists — While Barbie remained popular, dolls modeled after real people became a new trend in the 1970s. Dolls modeled on the singer Cher and the boxer Muhammad Ali topped holiday wish lists in 1976.
Evening Standard // Getty Images

While Barbie remained popular, dolls modeled after real people became a new trend in the 1970s. Dolls modeled on the singer Cher and the boxer Muhammad Ali topped holiday wish lists in 1976.
Evening Standard // Getty Images

1977: ‘Star Wars’ fans get an empty box for Christmas

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1977: ‘Star Wars’ fans get an empty box for Christmas — Toy companies were unprepared for the outright mania for “Star Wars” toys in the weeks before Christmas in 1977. Rather than rush the toys to market, they sold empty boxes with IOUs for the toys to be delivered in the following months.
John Mahler // Getty Images

Toy companies were unprepared for the outright mania for “Star Wars” toys in the weeks before Christmas in 1977. Rather than rush the toys to market, they sold empty boxes with IOUs for the toys to be delivered in the following months.
John Mahler // Getty Images

1978: Wild Christmas TV specials dominate airwaves

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1978: Wild Christmas TV specials dominate airwaves — The year 1978 was a banner year for Christmas TV specials. That year included “The Pink Panther in: A Pink Christmas” and the “Star Wars Holiday Special.”
20th Century Fox Television

The year 1978 was a banner year for Christmas TV specials. That year included “The Pink Panther in: A Pink Christmas” and the “Star Wars Holiday Special.”
20th Century Fox Television

1979: USSR invades Afghanistan

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1979: USSR invades Afghanistan — Christmas 1979 was a militaristic one for the Soviet Union. That year, the country invaded Afghanistan, kicking off a years-long conflict in the Middle East.
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GEORGES GOBET // Getty Images

Christmas 1979 was a militaristic one for the Soviet Union. That year, the country invaded Afghanistan, kicking off a years-long conflict in the Middle East.
You may also like: Bizarre slang words and phrases from every state
GEORGES GOBET // Getty Images

1980: Rubik’s Cube hits the shelves

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1980: Rubik’s Cube hits the shelves — One of the most popular toys to this day was launched in 1980. The Rubik’s Cube would be a defining feature of the entire decade.
ullstein bild // Getty Images

One of the most popular toys to this day was launched in 1980. The Rubik’s Cube would be a defining feature of the entire decade.
ullstein bild // Getty Images

1981: The first White House ornament

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1981: The first White House ornament — The first White House Christmas tree ornament was designed in 1981. Every year since then, the White House Historical Association has designed an official ornament.
Chip Somodevilla // Getty Images

The first White House Christmas tree ornament was designed in 1981. Every year since then, the White House Historical Association has designed an official ornament.
Chip Somodevilla // Getty Images

1982: Christmas blizzard buries part of US

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1982: Christmas blizzard buries part of US — It was a very white Christmas for many parts of America in 1982. A blizzard buried parts of the country in extreme snow that day, a bonanza to those who found a sled under the tree.
[Pictured: Appearing much like a ski-resort town, Denver’s Colfax Avenue is covered in snow on Christmas morning after the blizzard.]
Eric Bakke / The Denver Post // Getty Images

It was a very white Christmas for many parts of America in 1982. A blizzard buried parts of the country in extreme snow that day, a bonanza to those who found a sled under the tree.
[Pictured: Appearing much like a ski-resort town, Denver’s Colfax Avenue is covered in snow on Christmas morning after the blizzard.]
Eric Bakke / The Denver Post // Getty Images

1983: ‘A Christmas Story’ changes the landscape of holiday film

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1983: ‘A Christmas Story’ changes the landscape of holiday film — The beloved film “A Christmas Story” premiered in 1983. The film follows a young boy attempting to evade a bully and convince his parents a Red Ryder BB gun is the perfect gift for him.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

The beloved film “A Christmas Story” premiered in 1983. The film follows a young boy attempting to evade a bully and convince his parents a Red Ryder BB gun is the perfect gift for him.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

1984: First Christmas computer camp opens

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1984: First Christmas computer camp opens — Parents who needed to get their children out of the house for a while on Christmas break had a new option in 1984. That year, Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry began offering a computer camp for children to learn data structures and work on problem-solving skills.
[Pictured: Children Kim Hampton, 9, (left) and David Demers, 11, at a computer camp.]
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Mike Slaughter // Toronto Public Library

Parents who needed to get their children out of the house for a while on Christmas break had a new option in 1984. That year, Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry began offering a computer camp for children to learn data structures and work on problem-solving skills.
[Pictured: Children Kim Hampton, 9, (left) and David Demers, 11, at a computer camp.]
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Mike Slaughter // Toronto Public Library

1985: Chris Van Allsburg publishes ‘Polar Express’

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1985: Chris Van Allsburg publishes ‘Polar Express’ — In 1985, popular Christmas entertainment went analog. “The Polar Express” was a children’s book published to great acclaim and popularity that year and told the story of a young boy encountering a train headed to the North Pole.
Star Tribune // Getty Images

In 1985, popular Christmas entertainment went analog. “The Polar Express” was a children’s book published to great acclaim and popularity that year and told the story of a young boy encountering a train headed to the North Pole.
Star Tribune // Getty Images

1986: Yule Log special stops airing

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1986: Yule Log special stops airing — In 1966, New York station WPIX filmed a “Christmas card” to fill up programming space. For three hours, the station looped a 17-second clip of a Yule log burning in a fireplace. For the next 20 years, this stunt would be a Christmas tradition in New York City. Unfortunately, as the clip played with no commercials, it was a financial loss for the station, prompting its end.
Joseph Malzone // Wikimedia Commons

In 1966, New York station WPIX filmed a “Christmas card” to fill up programming space. For three hours, the station looped a 17-second clip of a Yule log burning in a fireplace. For the next 20 years, this stunt would be a Christmas tradition in New York City. Unfortunately, as the clip played with no commercials, it was a financial loss for the station, prompting its end.
Joseph Malzone // Wikimedia Commons

1987: Former Manson family member Lynette ‘Squeaky’ Fromme recaptured after prison break

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1987: Former Manson family member Lynette ‘Squeaky’ Fromme recaptured after prison break — In 1975, former Manson family member Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme was arrested for the attempted assassination attempt of President Gerald Ford in Sacramento, California. Fromme was sentenced to life imprisonment and was sent to Federal Correctional Institution, Dublin. Transferred to Federal Prison Camp Alderson for attacking an inmate, she escaped on December 23, 1987. Fromme was attempting to see Charlie Manson, who she suspected was dying. Fromme would be recaptured on Christmas Day.
[Pictured: Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, shown leaving the courthouse after her first hearing on the charge of attempting assassination of President Gerald Ford.]
Bettmann // Getty Images

In 1975, former Manson family member Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme was arrested for the attempted assassination attempt of President Gerald Ford in Sacramento, California. Fromme was sentenced to life imprisonment and was sent to Federal Correctional Institution, Dublin. Transferred to Federal Prison Camp Alderson for attacking an inmate, she escaped on December 23, 1987. Fromme was attempting to see Charlie Manson, who she suspected was dying. Fromme would be recaptured on Christmas Day.
[Pictured: Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, shown leaving the courthouse after her first hearing on the charge of attempting assassination of President Gerald Ford.]
Bettmann // Getty Images

1988: ‘Die Hard’ enters the Christmas canon

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1988: ‘Die Hard’ enters the Christmas canon — Is “Die Hard” a Christmas movie? It’s a question that’s divided fans of the ever-popular action movie starring Bruce Willis since it was released in 1988, and the main action in the narrative takes place during an office holiday party. Today, it’s impossible to escape the film during the holiday season.
Twentieth Century Fox

Is “Die Hard” a Christmas movie? It’s a question that’s divided fans of the ever-popular action movie starring Bruce Willis since it was released in 1988, and the main action in the narrative takes place during an office holiday party. Today, it’s impossible to escape the film during the holiday season.
Twentieth Century Fox

1989: Hershey’s Kisses commercial first airs

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1989: Hershey’s Kisses commercial first airs — The Hershey’s Kisses ringing bells commercial is one of the most iconic sights during the holiday season, having aired unchanged from its 1989 conception to the present day. The 30-second spot almost didn’t happen; it was entirely the initiative of brands manager John Dunn, who was sure he could sell his boss on the whimsical ad despite not having permission to make it.
[Pictured: A scene from the Hershey's Kisses advertisement “Christmas Bells.”]
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Hershey's // Wikimedia Commons

The Hershey’s Kisses ringing bells commercial is one of the most iconic sights during the holiday season, having aired unchanged from its 1989 conception to the present day. The 30-second spot almost didn’t happen; it was entirely the initiative of brands manager John Dunn, who was sure he could sell his boss on the whimsical ad despite not having permission to make it.
[Pictured: A scene from the Hershey's Kisses advertisement “Christmas Bells.”]
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Hershey's // Wikimedia Commons

1990: The internet connects a web browser and server

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1990: The internet connects a web browser and server — The year 1990 brought a new gift to the world at large when computer scientists from CERN set up the first successful connection between a web browser and a server, setting the blueprint for the internet as we know it today. It would take several years after this date for the Internet to be adopted by more than just scientists, and it would only happen thanks to a tireless push from the scientists who marked this first Christmas Day achievement.
[Pictured: Physicist, Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web.]
pitchal frederic // Getty Images

The year 1990 brought a new gift to the world at large when computer scientists from CERN set up the first successful connection between a web browser and a server, setting the blueprint for the internet as we know it today. It would take several years after this date for the Internet to be adopted by more than just scientists, and it would only happen thanks to a tireless push from the scientists who marked this first Christmas Day achievement.
[Pictured: Physicist, Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web.]
pitchal frederic // Getty Images

1991: USSR President Gorbachev resigns

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1991: USSR President Gorbachev resigns — Christmas 1991 marked a new phase for world politics when USSR President Mikhail Gorbachev announced his resignation from his position, and the fall of the Soviet Union was confirmed. His 10-minute televised speech focused on the successes he’d brought to the region, including strides in human rights, before ceding control of the government to Boris Yeltsin, functionally ending the Cold War.
[Pictured: People stand in front of the CPSU (Communist Party of the Soviet Union) central office in Moscow on August 23, 1991.]
ALEXANDER NEMENOV // Getty Images

Christmas 1991 marked a new phase for world politics when USSR President Mikhail Gorbachev announced his resignation from his position, and the fall of the Soviet Union was confirmed. His 10-minute televised speech focused on the successes he’d brought to the region, including strides in human rights, before ceding control of the government to Boris Yeltsin, functionally ending the Cold War.
[Pictured: People stand in front of the CPSU (Communist Party of the Soviet Union) central office in Moscow on August 23, 1991.]
ALEXANDER NEMENOV // Getty Images

1992: The US feeds starving Somalians

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1992: The US feeds starving Somalians — The story of U.S. involvement in the conflict in Somalia is a complicated one that analysts and military officials are still trying to sort out today. However, that doesn’t mean there wasn’t some unabashed good that came from the situation, namely the Christmas Day mission to deliver grain to starving Somalis struggling with famine.
Peter Turnley // Getty Images

The story of U.S. involvement in the conflict in Somalia is a complicated one that analysts and military officials are still trying to sort out today. However, that doesn’t mean there wasn’t some unabashed good that came from the situation, namely the Christmas Day mission to deliver grain to starving Somalis struggling with famine.
Peter Turnley // Getty Images

1993: The Beanie Baby craze takes the world by storm

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1993: The Beanie Baby craze takes the world by storm — Beanie Babies debuted in 1993, and the children’s toy quickly became a huge success and a popular Christmas gift, despite its creator’s decision to limit the number sold and refusal to place them in big stores. In the years following, collectors would go crazy over the stuffed toys, spending thousands of dollars on them before the Beanie Baby bubble burst in the late 1990s.
JOYCE NALTCHAYAN // Getty Images

Beanie Babies debuted in 1993, and the children’s toy quickly became a huge success and a popular Christmas gift, despite its creator’s decision to limit the number sold and refusal to place them in big stores. In the years following, collectors would go crazy over the stuffed toys, spending thousands of dollars on them before the Beanie Baby bubble burst in the late 1990s.
JOYCE NALTCHAYAN // Getty Images

1994: Mariah Carey releases ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You‘

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1994: Mariah Carey releases ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You‘ — Every year like clockwork, Mariah Carey’s holiday smash “All I Want For Christmas Is You” begins climbing the charts once again, breaking records on its annual ascent despite considerable changes in the music industry since its release. The song differs from most Christmas anthems due to its upbeat tempo. The song’s later inclusion in the film “Love Actually” probably didn’t hurt its popularity either.
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Handout // Getty Images

Every year like clockwork, Mariah Carey’s holiday smash “All I Want For Christmas Is You” begins climbing the charts once again, breaking records on its annual ascent despite considerable changes in the music industry since its release. The song differs from most Christmas anthems due to its upbeat tempo. The song’s later inclusion in the film “Love Actually” probably didn’t hurt its popularity either.
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Handout // Getty Images

1995: Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings down the house with ‘Carol of the Bells’

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1995: Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings down the house with ‘Carol of the Bells’ — A Ukrainian folk melody found new life in the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s adaptation of “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” and “Shchedryk.” Featuring electric guitar, bells, and cello, the song invokes the story of a single cello player who played Christmas carols on his instrument in the square of a war-torn Sarajevo and has become a key part of the instrumental Christmas canon.
Anna Webber // Getty Images

A Ukrainian folk melody found new life in the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s adaptation of “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” and “Shchedryk.” Featuring electric guitar, bells, and cello, the song invokes the story of a single cello player who played Christmas carols on his instrument in the square of a war-torn Sarajevo and has become a key part of the instrumental Christmas canon.
Anna Webber // Getty Images

1997: Starbucks releases its first Christmas cup

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1997: Starbucks releases its first Christmas cup — Everyone knows that once Starbucks replaces its Pumpkin Spice Lattes with Peppermint Mochas, it’s time to get ready for Starbucks’ iconic holiday cups, featuring cheery classics like reindeer, snowflakes, and wrapping paper. However, not everyone has been pleased with Starbucks’ graphic design choices; starting in 2015, Starbucks has come under fire several times for not being “Christmas-y” enough with their designs.
Spencer Platt // Getty Images

Everyone knows that once Starbucks replaces its Pumpkin Spice Lattes with Peppermint Mochas, it’s time to get ready for Starbucks’ iconic holiday cups, featuring cheery classics like reindeer, snowflakes, and wrapping paper. However, not everyone has been pleased with Starbucks’ graphic design choices; starting in 2015, Starbucks has come under fire several times for not being “Christmas-y” enough with their designs.
Spencer Platt // Getty Images

1998: Disney’s ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’ airs

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1998: Disney’s ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’ airs — Disney banked on the fame of “Home Improvement” and “Lion King” star Jonathan Taylor Thomas when creating this Christmas classic. The movie tells the tale of a spoiled college student trying to make it home for Christmas dinner to claim the car his father promised him. His plans are made more difficult after getting stranded in the desert three days before he has to be there. The movie was critically panned for its formulaic nature but continues to be shown throughout the holiday season.
Walt Disney Pictures

Disney banked on the fame of “Home Improvement” and “Lion King” star Jonathan Taylor Thomas when creating this Christmas classic. The movie tells the tale of a spoiled college student trying to make it home for Christmas dinner to claim the car his father promised him. His plans are made more difficult after getting stranded in the desert three days before he has to be there. The movie was critically panned for its formulaic nature but continues to be shown throughout the holiday season.
Walt Disney Pictures

1999: Rockefeller’s tree sets records

Updated Nov 18, 2021

1999: Rockefeller’s tree sets records — The tree in Rockefeller Center normally tops out at around 75 feet, but in the final Christmas of the 20th century, it reached over 100 feet. It took 30,000 light bulbs and five miles of wiring to light up the tree, which hailed from Killingworth, Connecticut.
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STAN HONDA // Getty Images

The tree in Rockefeller Center normally tops out at around 75 feet, but in the final Christmas of the 20th century, it reached over 100 feet. It took 30,000 light bulbs and five miles of wiring to light up the tree, which hailed from Killingworth, Connecticut.
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STAN HONDA // Getty Images

2000: Jim Carrey becomes the Grinch

Updated Nov 18, 2021

2000: Jim Carrey becomes the Grinch — Dr. Seuss’ beloved holiday classic has been adapted many times over the years. Still, perhaps the most controversial is the live-action adaptation starring 1990s comedy king Jim Carrey as the titular anti-hero. While some immediately adopted the Ron Howard-helmed flick into their Christmas collection, critics and audiences alike have panned the feature. Even Carrey wasn’t a fan, reportedly hating his costume so much that it drove the lead make-up artist to therapy after filming wrapped.
Universal Pictures

Dr. Seuss’ beloved holiday classic has been adapted many times over the years. Still, perhaps the most controversial is the live-action adaptation starring 1990s comedy king Jim Carrey as the titular anti-hero. While some immediately adopted the Ron Howard-helmed flick into their Christmas collection, critics and audiences alike have panned the feature. Even Carrey wasn’t a fan, reportedly hating his costume so much that it drove the lead make-up artist to therapy after filming wrapped.
Universal Pictures

2001: The birth of the ugly sweater party

Updated Nov 18, 2021

2001: The birth of the ugly sweater party — Wearing your grandma’s ugly Rudolph sweater might be a tried and true tradition today, but it’s a relatively recent development in the grand scheme of Christmas. According to the book “Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Book: The Definitive Guide to Getting Your Ugly On,” the tradition didn’t become popular until 2001, and the ironic donning of holiday knitwear remains popular as the decades have worn on.
Zoltan Tarlacz // Shutterstock

Wearing your grandma’s ugly Rudolph sweater might be a tried and true tradition today, but it’s a relatively recent development in the grand scheme of Christmas. According to the book “Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Book: The Definitive Guide to Getting Your Ugly On,” the tradition didn’t become popular until 2001, and the ironic donning of holiday knitwear remains popular as the decades have worn on.
Zoltan Tarlacz // Shutterstock

2002: A huge snowstorm brings an inconvenient white Christmas

Updated Nov 18, 2021

2002: A huge snowstorm brings an inconvenient white Christmas — The Northeast was pounded by a huge snowstorm in the days leading up to Christmas. The snowstorm shut down flights and made holiday travel difficult for almost everyone involved. Though some residents appreciated the stereotypical white Christmas coming to them on Christmas Eve, others were not so grateful, especially once another messier snowstorm came through on New Year’s Day.
Mario Tama // Getty Images

The Northeast was pounded by a huge snowstorm in the days leading up to Christmas. The snowstorm shut down flights and made holiday travel difficult for almost everyone involved. Though some residents appreciated the stereotypical white Christmas coming to them on Christmas Eve, others were not so grateful, especially once another messier snowstorm came through on New Year’s Day.
Mario Tama // Getty Images

2003: ‘Love Actually’ hits theaters

Updated Nov 18, 2021

2003: ‘Love Actually’ hits theaters — The 21st century has seen the creation of very few new classic Christmas movies, but there have been a handful of exceptions. “Love Actually,” a British ensemble film with an A-list cast that follows the lives of several characters in and around the Christmas season, is a romantic movie that has a bit of something for everyone. Its appeal isn’t universal, and the debate rages to this day about whether it truly deserves a place in the pantheon of Christmas classics.
Universal Pictures

The 21st century has seen the creation of very few new classic Christmas movies, but there have been a handful of exceptions. “Love Actually,” a British ensemble film with an A-list cast that follows the lives of several characters in and around the Christmas season, is a romantic movie that has a bit of something for everyone. Its appeal isn’t universal, and the debate rages to this day about whether it truly deserves a place in the pantheon of Christmas classics.
Universal Pictures

2004: Bill O’Reilly kicks off the modern ‘War on Christmas’

Updated Nov 18, 2021

2004: Bill O’Reilly kicks off the modern ‘War on Christmas’ — Come November and December, a familiar fight breaks out in media circles: Is there a “war on Christmas,” causing people to replace “Merry Christmas” with more neutral holiday greetings—and if there is, what does it mean? This modern political debate got its fuel and its name from a book by John Gibson, which claims liberals have something against the holiday. On December 7, 2004, Bill O’Reilly hosted a segment about the book, and “Christmas Under Siege,” which was later picked up by other conservative commentators, continues to shape the annual holiday debate to this day.
You may also like: Can you answer these real ‘Jeopardy’ questions about US military history?
Rob Kim // Getty Images

Come November and December, a familiar fight breaks out in media circles: Is there a “war on Christmas,” causing people to replace “Merry Christmas” with more neutral holiday greetings—and if there is, what does it mean? This modern political debate got its fuel and its name from a book by John Gibson, which claims liberals have something against the holiday. On December 7, 2004, Bill O’Reilly hosted a segment about the book, and “Christmas Under Siege,” which was later picked up by other conservative commentators, continues to shape the annual holiday debate to this day.
You may also like: Can you answer these real ‘Jeopardy’ questions about US military history?
Rob Kim // Getty Images

2005: Postmaster General formalizes Operation Santa Claus

Updated Nov 18, 2021

2005: Postmaster General formalizes Operation Santa Claus — We’ve been writing letters addressed to the North Pole for nearly 200 years, but the question remains: What do we do with all the correspondence to St. Nick? After years of destroying them or sending them to an office, people began responding to them with the permission of their local postmaster. This hodgepodge system lasted for nearly a century until 2005, when the Postmaster General announced Operation Santa Claus, which put guidelines into place about who could respond to letters and how they could go about doing so.
Mario Tama // Getty Images

We’ve been writing letters addressed to the North Pole for nearly 200 years, but the question remains: What do we do with all the correspondence to St. Nick? After years of destroying them or sending them to an office, people began responding to them with the permission of their local postmaster. This hodgepodge system lasted for nearly a century until 2005, when the Postmaster General announced Operation Santa Claus, which put guidelines into place about who could respond to letters and how they could go about doing so.
Mario Tama // Getty Images

2006: ‘The Holiday’ hits theaters

Updated Nov 18, 2021

2006: ‘The Holiday’ hits theaters — This British-American holiday movie stars Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet as two disaffected women who switch homes for the holidays and fall in love with two men (Jack Black and Jude Law). The movie hasn’t held up for everyone in the following years, but it joins “Love Actually” as a new romantic Christmas classic.
Columbia Pictures

This British-American holiday movie stars Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet as two disaffected women who switch homes for the holidays and fall in love with two men (Jack Black and Jude Law). The movie hasn’t held up for everyone in the following years, but it joins “Love Actually” as a new romantic Christmas classic.
Columbia Pictures

2007: The Rockefeller tree becomes a home for the needy

Updated Nov 18, 2021

2007: The Rockefeller tree becomes a home for the needy — So, what do people do with a 100-foot Christmas tree once Christmas is over? Rockefeller Center cuts it into lumber and donates it to Habitat for Humanity. Since 2007, NBC/Universal—the owner of Rockefeller Center—has given the lumber from its Christmas tree to a local Habitat for Humanity site, with non-useful parts of the tree being ground into mulch for the paper to be used for a limited edition book about the lifecycle of the tree.
Spencer Platt // Getty Images

So, what do people do with a 100-foot Christmas tree once Christmas is over? Rockefeller Center cuts it into lumber and donates it to Habitat for Humanity. Since 2007, NBC/Universal—the owner of Rockefeller Center—has given the lumber from its Christmas tree to a local Habitat for Humanity site, with non-useful parts of the tree being ground into mulch for the paper to be used for a limited edition book about the lifecycle of the tree.
Spencer Platt // Getty Images

2008: Elf on the Shelf wins awards

Updated Nov 18, 2021

2008: Elf on the Shelf wins awards — This new tradition of parents placing an elf toy in different places throughout your home over the holidays was birthed by the publication of the 2005 children’s book, “Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition.” The newfound tradition proved to be a hit, winning Learning Express’ Best Toy Award for three years straight from 2008 to 2010. Not everyone finds Mr. Elf’s cheery demeanor relaxing. There are plenty of critics who find his smiling face creepy or overly commercial.
Maria Sbytova // Shutterstock

This new tradition of parents placing an elf toy in different places throughout your home over the holidays was birthed by the publication of the 2005 children’s book, “Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition.” The newfound tradition proved to be a hit, winning Learning Express’ Best Toy Award for three years straight from 2008 to 2010. Not everyone finds Mr. Elf’s cheery demeanor relaxing. There are plenty of critics who find his smiling face creepy or overly commercial.
Maria Sbytova // Shutterstock

2009: Queen Elizabeth honors soldiers lost in Afghanistan

Updated Nov 18, 2021

2009: Queen Elizabeth honors soldiers lost in Afghanistan — In her annual Christmas message, the British monarch took a moment to remember the 106 soldiers from the U.K. who died in the war in Afghanistan, the most British casualties since the 1980s. She also highlighted the difficulties faced by families during the global recession, noting that it was a “difficult year” for many all around.
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WPA Pool // Getty Images

In her annual Christmas message, the British monarch took a moment to remember the 106 soldiers from the U.K. who died in the war in Afghanistan, the most British casualties since the 1980s. She also highlighted the difficulties faced by families during the global recession, noting that it was a “difficult year” for many all around.
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WPA Pool // Getty Images

2010: An iPad craze for Christmas

Updated Nov 18, 2021

2010: An iPad craze for Christmas — It’s hard to imagine a world where touch screens don’t reign supreme, but Apple launched its signature iPad in April 2010 to huge fanfare. Though not the first tablet by any means, it was the first to reach an audience outside of tech bros and others who like to be the first to get their hands on the newest gadget. In Christmas 2010 alone, it was estimated that Apple sold anywhere from 5 million to 7.54 million units.
MANDEL NGAN // Getty Images

It’s hard to imagine a world where touch screens don’t reign supreme, but Apple launched its signature iPad in April 2010 to huge fanfare. Though not the first tablet by any means, it was the first to reach an audience outside of tech bros and others who like to be the first to get their hands on the newest gadget. In Christmas 2010 alone, it was estimated that Apple sold anywhere from 5 million to 7.54 million units.
MANDEL NGAN // Getty Images

2011: Christmas heats up in Antarctica

Updated Nov 18, 2021

2011: Christmas heats up in Antarctica — The South Pole rarely has to worry about whether they’ll have a white Christmas, but recent years have seen things getting hotter thanks to changes wrought by climate change. In 2011, Antarctica noted its warmest temperature ever at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, clocking in at -12.3 degrees Celsius.
[Pictured: Christmas morning cruise through the remnants of Tabular iceberg B15Y at the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.]
Handout // Getty Images

The South Pole rarely has to worry about whether they’ll have a white Christmas, but recent years have seen things getting hotter thanks to changes wrought by climate change. In 2011, Antarctica noted its warmest temperature ever at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, clocking in at -12.3 degrees Celsius.
[Pictured: Christmas morning cruise through the remnants of Tabular iceberg B15Y at the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.]
Handout // Getty Images

2012: Federal workers get a long weekend

Updated Nov 18, 2021

2012: Federal workers get a long weekend — Christmas fell on a Tuesday this year, leading the White House to issue an executive order giving all non-essential personnel Monday off to spend additional time with friends and loved ones.
The Obama Presidential Library

Christmas fell on a Tuesday this year, leading the White House to issue an executive order giving all non-essential personnel Monday off to spend additional time with friends and loved ones.
The Obama Presidential Library

2013: ‘Frozen’ hits theaters in time for the holidays

Updated Nov 18, 2021

2013: ‘Frozen’ hits theaters in time for the holidays — Released on Thanksgiving, Disney’s “Frozen” captured hearts with its sweeping snowy landscapes and Elsa’s ballad “Let It Go.” The film’s popularity quickly carried over into the Christmas season, but its late release gave it staying power. A year after its release, forecasters projected that Elsa dolls would be the hottest toy of the Christmas season, as it was released too close to the holiday to make it onto wish lists the year before.
Walt Disney Animation Studios

Released on Thanksgiving, Disney’s “Frozen” captured hearts with its sweeping snowy landscapes and Elsa’s ballad “Let It Go.” The film’s popularity quickly carried over into the Christmas season, but its late release gave it staying power. A year after its release, forecasters projected that Elsa dolls would be the hottest toy of the Christmas season, as it was released too close to the holiday to make it onto wish lists the year before.
Walt Disney Animation Studios

2014: Pope Francis prays for refugees, exiles

Updated Nov 18, 2021

2014: Pope Francis prays for refugees, exiles — In 2014, Pope Francis gave a radically different Christmas blessing than popes had given in years prior. Francis prayed for groups, including refugees and exiles, persecuted Christian communities, and workers fighting the Ebola epidemic.
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Franco Origlia // Getty Images

In 2014, Pope Francis gave a radically different Christmas blessing than popes had given in years prior. Francis prayed for groups, including refugees and exiles, persecuted Christian communities, and workers fighting the Ebola epidemic.
You may also like: 25 pictures of abandoned military installations and their stories
Franco Origlia // Getty Images

2015: Huge heat wave breaks records

Updated Nov 18, 2021

2015: Huge heat wave breaks records — There wasn’t much of a white Christmas in 2015. That year, record high temperatures were recorded across the country, with temperatures as much as 35 degrees above average.
[Pictured: People enjoy unusual warm weather near the national Christmas tree in Washington, D.C., on December 11, 2015.]
YURI GRIPAS // Getty Images

There wasn’t much of a white Christmas in 2015. That year, record high temperatures were recorded across the country, with temperatures as much as 35 degrees above average.
[Pictured: People enjoy unusual warm weather near the national Christmas tree in Washington, D.C., on December 11, 2015.]
YURI GRIPAS // Getty Images

2017: Netflix’s ‘A Christmas Prince’ launches a thousand memes

Updated Nov 18, 2021

2017: Netflix’s ‘A Christmas Prince’ launches a thousand memes — Netflix made a splash when it started producing original content, launching “House of Cards” to critical acclaim in 2013. It similarly made headlines in 2017 when it dropped “A Christmas Prince,” its first attempt at a Hallmark-style Christmas romance. This tale of a young journalist who falls in love with a prince while researching a story was dubbed “so bad it’s good” by many a critic, leading to an explosion of memes, two sequels in as many years, and an explosion in Christmas movies of similar campy quality.
Netflix

Netflix made a splash when it started producing original content, launching “House of Cards” to critical acclaim in 2013. It similarly made headlines in 2017 when it dropped “A Christmas Prince,” its first attempt at a Hallmark-style Christmas romance. This tale of a young journalist who falls in love with a prince while researching a story was dubbed “so bad it’s good” by many a critic, leading to an explosion of memes, two sequels in as many years, and an explosion in Christmas movies of similar campy quality.
Netflix

2018: Rockefeller’s star gets a new look

Updated Nov 18, 2021

2018: Rockefeller’s star gets a new look — On November 28, 2018, a new star was hoisted atop the tree at Rockefeller Center, a spiky, geometric piece composed of 3 million Swarovski crystals and weighing 900 lbs. It was designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, a Polish immigrant and child of Holocaust survivors. Libeskind is known for his work designing the World Trade Center memorial and surrounding construction.
John Lamparski // Getty Images

On November 28, 2018, a new star was hoisted atop the tree at Rockefeller Center, a spiky, geometric piece composed of 3 million Swarovski crystals and weighing 900 lbs. It was designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, a Polish immigrant and child of Holocaust survivors. Libeskind is known for his work designing the World Trade Center memorial and surrounding construction.
John Lamparski // Getty Images

Top holiday toys from the year you were born

Henry Herald Photo Slideshows

Featured

Top holiday toys from the year you were born

By Jacob Osborn, Peter Richman
Stacker
Updated Apr 8, 2023
0

With the holiday spirit in the air, it’s the perfect time to dive into the history of iconic holiday gifts. Using national toy archives and da…

30 toys that defined the '80s

Henry Herald Photo Slideshows

Featured

30 toys that defined the '80s

By Angela Underwood
Stacker
Updated Apr 28, 2023
0

Stacker takes a look at 30 toys that defined the 1980s, using historical and retail websites. From talking stuffed animals to handheld video g…

American cities and towns named after Christmas

Henry Herald Photo Slideshows

Featured

American cities and towns named after Christmas

By Tiffany Moran
Stacker
Updated Apr 7, 2023
0

Using information from the U.S. Census Bureau, Stacker found 29 cities and towns across America with names that embody the spirit of Christmas.

POLL: Do you have a Christmas morning tradition?

Updated Dec 27, 2021

This is not a scientific poll — results reflect only the opinions of those voting.

Yes. We open presents and eat a family breakfast.

No. We just go with the flow.

Yes. We go to church and then come home to open presents.

No. We open presents on Christmas Eve so we just relax on Christmas morning.

Yes. We spend the morning with our extended family members who come for a visit.

No. We treat it like any other morning.

Originally published on stacker.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.

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